Latest news with #Komeito
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- Business
- First Post
How decline of PM Ishiba's LDP reflects ‘Trump effect' on Japan
The Trump effect—embodied in both American policy and its global ideological footprint—has found fertile ground in Japan's political soil read more The ruling coalition in Japan, comprising the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner, Komeito, suffered a significant political setback in the recent Upper House elections, reducing them to a minority status. This follows their earlier disappointing performance in the October 2024 Lower House elections, which had already cost them a majority. As it stands, the coalition now finds itself in the minority in both chambers of the National Diet, a rare and politically precarious position that may foreshadow deeper shifts in Japan's political landscape. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Of the 125 Upper House seats contested, 124 were regular seats, while one was a by-election. The electoral system gives voters two votes: one for a candidate in their local constituency and another for a political party through proportional representation. Fifty of the seats were filled via the latter method, with the remaining 75 chosen by direct constituency vote. Prior to the election, the LDP-Komeito coalition held 75 uncontested seats. Their target was modest: secure at least 50 seats out of the 125 up for grabs, enough to maintain a slim majority. However, the results fell short. The coalition won only 47 seats, three fewer than needed for a majority. The LDP, under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, lost 13 seats, while Komeito dropped six. Meanwhile, the opposition bloc made substantial gains, securing a combined total of 78 seats. Rising Discontent and Economic Anxiety Much of the disillusionment with the ruling coalition centres around economic frustrations. Inflation, long dormant in Japan, has resurfaced, now hovering above 3 per cent. The cost of basic necessities such as rice has doubled in the past year, and a consumption tax of 10 per cent continues to weigh heavily on consumers. Wages, by contrast, have remained stagnant, leaving many Japanese citizens struggling to maintain their standard of living. This economic squeeze has particularly affected young voters and families, prompting questions about the government's ability to manage the economy. Amid rising living costs and growing inequality, the LDP's campaign promises appeared out of touch with the daily realities of many voters. The economic unease also intersected with cultural and social anxieties, particularly regarding Japan's increasing reliance on foreign labour. The number of foreign workers has surged to around 3.8 million, roughly 3 per cent of the population, driven largely by the country's ageing demographics and labour shortages. While some view this influx as a necessary adaptation, others see it as a threat to national identity and social cohesion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rise of Sanseito and Populist Nationalism In this climate of dissatisfaction and uncertainty, smaller and newer political parties gained ground. One of the most striking developments in the election was the rise of the right-wing populist party Sanseito. Founded only a few years ago, Sanseito increased its representation from a single seat to 15 in the Upper House, marking a major breakthrough for Japan's radical right. Sanseito's success was built on a staunchly nationalist and anti-globalist platform. Its leader, Sohei Kamiya, frequently invoked the rhetoric and political strategies of US President Donald Trump. He called for a halt to immigration, restrictions on foreign workers, and an economic policy that would put 'Japan First'. His campaign framed foreign labour not as a solution to economic issues but as a scapegoat for them, blaming multinational corporations and globalist elites for Japan's domestic struggles. In addition to opposing immigration, Kamiya has proposed a fully independent Japanese defence force, free from US military dependency, and called for resisting American trade demands, especially in sensitive sectors like rice, beef, and automobiles. Ironically, while he borrows heavily from Trump's playbook, Kamiya positions himself as a defender of Japanese sovereignty against Trump policies that have been seen as exploitative or unfair toward Japan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The appeal of Sanseito's messaging, particularly among younger voters, reflects growing frustration with the LDP's perceived ineffectiveness and over-accommodation of foreign pressures. Disenchanted by stagnant wages, mounting taxes, and a sense that their voices are not heard, many young people turned away from the political mainstream and toward populist alternatives. 'Trump Effect' A key question arising from the election results is whether the so-called 'Trump effect' played a role in undermining Prime Minister Ishiba's leadership. While Ishiba has not openly opposed US influence, he has had to walk a diplomatic tightrope in recent months. His administration has faced increasing pressure from the Trump administration to increase Japan's defence spending beyond 3.5 per cent of GDP, a highly sensitive topic for many Japanese voters. Although Japan has already boosted its military budget, purchased American defence equipment, and increased its contributions to US bases on Japanese soil, the Trump administration has continued to impose punitive trade tariffs. Japan, alongside South Korea, is subject to a 25 per cent tariff bracket under Trump's trade regime, based on claims that Japan has not sufficiently opened its domestic markets, particularly in agriculture and automobiles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a notable diplomatic rebuke, Japan recently cancelled a scheduled '2+2' security dialogue with the US. While Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi did attend a Quad summit in Washington, the Ishiba administration had hoped that a strong showing in the Upper House elections would enhance its leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with both the US and EU. That hope, however, now appears dashed. Post elections, Ishiba said regarding the tariff negotiations with the US, he wanted to talk in person with President Donald Trump as soon as possible to realise an agreement that is mutually beneficial. A Crisis of Confidence Public confidence in Ishiba's ability to manage relations with the US and restore Japan's economic vitality has deteriorated. A recent national poll revealed that 70 per cent of Japanese citizens lack faith in Tokyo's ability to secure favourable outcomes in its negotiations with Washington. Only 22 per cent remain optimistic. This broader sense of unease has translated into declining approval ratings for the prime minister. Ishiba's approval dropped by 6.2 percentage points in July to just 20.8 per cent, the lowest since he assumed office in October. Meanwhile, his disapproval rating climbed to 55 per cent, the highest of his tenure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Political analysts argue that the rise of Sanseito, and other, more moderately nationalist parties is part of a larger shift in Japanese politics. Since the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe three years ago, Japan's nationalist right has lacked a unifying figure. Abe had long acted as a buffer between Japan's pragmatic conservatism and its more radical nationalist fringes. In his absence, political space has opened for new actors to challenge the traditional dominance of the LDP. These parties, while varying in extremity, often focus on a similar set of grievances: inflation, declining real incomes, tax burdens on the young to support an ageing population, and an increasingly lopsided alliance with the United States. Sanseito, in particular, has captured this mood of discontent and used it to craft a narrative that resonates with disillusioned voters. The party's momentum appears to be growing. Last month, it gained an additional seat when a member of another opposition party defected. It had also won three Lower House seats in a by-election in Tokyo last year, further solidifying its presence on the national stage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Looking Ahead While the ruling coalition lost its majority, the LDP remains the largest political force with a total of 101 seats. 'We must understand the responsibility as the leading party and the one we have to fulfil for the nation,' Ishiba said. He also signalled his intention to keep his position after the election, saying, 'I am keenly aware of [my] responsibilities.' Japan's political future is now uncertain. The ruling coalition's dual minority status will complicate legislative efforts and make it harder to implement any coherent agenda. Ishiba's government will likely face increasing internal dissent, coalition instability, and challenges from both the left and right. Whether this leads to early elections, leadership change, or further fragmentation of Japan's political landscape remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the 'Trump effect'—embodied in both American policy and its global ideological footprint—has found fertile ground in Japan's political soil. As Japan moves forward, the electorate's shift toward populism, nationalism, and economic protectionism may redefine the country's political trajectory—and its place in the world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Japan's Ishiba denies resignation plans despite electoral drubbing
TOKYO: Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba denied again on Wednesday plans for resignation following a historic defeat of his ruling party in a weekend election despite growing calls for him to step down, saying he wanted to ensure the appropriate implementation of a new tariff agreement with the US. Ishiaba met with heavyweights from his ruling Liberal Democratic Party and former prime ministers Taro Aso , Fumio Kishida and Yoshihide Suga on Wednesday at party headquarters. He told reporters afterward that they did not discuss his resignation or a new party leadership contest, but only the election results, voters' dissatisfaction and the urgent need to avoid party discord. Despite his business-as-usual demeanour, Ishiba is under increasing pressure to bow out after his ruling party and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, lost Sunday their majority in the 248-member upper house, the smaller and less powerful of Japan's two-chamber parliament, shaking his grip on power. This came after a loss in the more powerful lower house in October, and so his coalition now lacks a majority in both houses of parliament, making it even more difficult for his government to pass policies and worsening Japan's political instability. Ishiba had announced Monday he intended to stay on to tackle pressing challenges, including tariff talks with the US, so as not to create a political vacuum despite calls from inside and outside his party for a quick resignation. Live Events Japanese media said he is expected to soon announce plans to step down in August. The conservative Yomiuri newspaper said in an extra edition on Wednesday Ishiba had decided to announce his resignation by the end of July after receiving a detailed report from his chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, on the impact of the US tariffs on the Japanese economy, paving the way for a new party leader.
Nikkei Asia
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
Potential Ishiba successors prepare as pressure on Japan PM mounts
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces growing pressure to resign after his party suffered heavy losses in the July 20 upper house election. © Reuters TAISHU YUASA TOKYO -- With Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba facing growing pressure to resign after Sunday's upper house election, potential candidates for the post are starting to position themselves for the next leadership race, in which opposition parties would play a major role. Despite his Liberal Democratic Party losing its majority with coalition partner Komeito, Ishiba had said he would stay on to handle tariff negotiations with the U.S., but a deal was announced Wednesday. A senior LDP official said the prime minister will decide on his future after a full review of the election is completed next month.
First Post
14 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Japanese PM Ishiba vows to stay on despite election loss, pledges to prioritise new US tariff pact
Despite his business-as-usual demeanour, Ishiba is under increasing pressure to resign after the LDP and junior coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in Sunday's election in Japan's 248-member upper house, shattering his grip on power read more Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba promised on Wednesday to remain in power to supervise the implementation of a new Japan-US tariff pact, amid media speculation and rising calls for his resignation following his governing party's historic setback. At party headquarters, Ishiba met with senior members of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), as well as former Prime Ministers Taro Aso, Fumio Kishida, and Yoshihide Suga. He later told reporters that they did not discuss his resignation or a new party leadership contest, but rather the election results, voter dissatisfaction, and the urgent need to avoid party discord. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite his business-as-usual demeanour, Ishiba is under increasing pressure to resign after the LDP and junior coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in Sunday's election in Japan's 248-member upper house, the smaller and less powerful of Japan's two chambers of parliament, shattering his grip on power. It followed a defeat in the more powerful lower house in October, and his coalition now lacks a majority in both chambers of parliament, making it much more difficult for his administration to adopt programs and exacerbating Japan's political instability. Despite calls from within and beyond his party for his resignation, Ishiba says he plans to remain on to address important issues, such as tariff discussions with the United States, in order to avoid creating a political vacuum. Ishiba 'keeps saying he is staying on. What was the public's verdict in the election all about?' said Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the surging Democratic Party for the People, or DPP. At the LDP, a group of younger lawmakers led by Yasutaka Nakasone started a petition drive seeking Ishiba's early resignation and renewal of party leadership. 'We all have a sense of crisis and think the election results were ultimatum from the voters,' he said. Japanese media reported that Ishiba is expected to soon announce plans to step down in August. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The conservative Yomiuri newspaper said in an extra edition on Wednesday that Ishiba had decided to announce his resignation by the end of July after receiving a detailed report from his chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, on the impact of the US tariffs on the Japanese economy, paving the way for a new party leader. Ishiba denied the report and said that he wants to focus on the US trade deal, which covers more than 4,000 goods affecting many Japanese producers and industries. He welcomed the new agreement, which places tariffs at 15% on Japanese cars and other goods imported into the US from Japan, down from the initial 25%. Still, local media are already speculating about possible successors. Among them are ultraconservative former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, who lost to Ishiba in September. Another conservative ex-minister, Takayuki Kobayashi, and Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of former popular Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, are also seen as potential challengers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Sunday's election, voters frustrated with price increases exceeding the pace of wage hikes, especially younger people who have long felt ignored by the ruling government's focus on senior voters, rapidly turned to the emerging conservative DPP and right-wing populist Sanseito party. None of the opposition parties have shown interest in forming a full-fledged alliance with the governing coalition, but they have said they are open to cooperating on policy. People expressed mixed reaction to Ishiba, as his days seem to be numbered. Kentaro Nakamura, 53, said that he thought it's time for Ishiba to go, because he lacked consistency and did poorly in the election. 'The (election) result was so bad and I thought it would not be appropriate for him to stay on,' Nakamura said. 'I thought it was just a matter of time.' But Isamu Kawana, a Tokyo resident in his 70s, was more sympathetic and said if it wasn't Ishiba who was elected prime minister last year, the result would have been the same. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'I think he got the short end of the stick,' Kawana said.
Powys County Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba vows to stay in power despite growing calls to resign
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to remain in power to oversee the implementation of a new Japan-US tariff agreement, despite media speculation and growing calls for him to resign after the historic defeat of his governing party. Mr Ishiba met heavyweights from his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and former prime ministers Taro Aso, Fumio Kishida and Yoshihide Suga at party headquarters. He told reporters afterwards that they did not discuss his resignation or a new party leadership contest, but only the election results, voters' dissatisfaction and the urgent need to avoid party discord. Despite his business-as-usual demeanour, Mr Ishiba is under increasing pressure to bow out after the LDP and junior coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in Sunday's election in the 248-member upper house, the smaller and less powerful of Japan's two-chamber parliament, shaking his grip on power. It came after a loss in the more powerful lower house in October, and so his coalition now lacks a majority in both houses of parliament, making it even more difficult for his government to pass policies and worsening Japan's political instability. Mr Ishiba says he intends to stay on to tackle pressing challenges, including tariff talks with the US, so as not to create a political vacuum despite calls from inside and outside his party for a quick resignation. Mr Ishiba 'keeps saying he is staying on. What was the public's verdict in the election all about?', said Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the surging Democratic Party for the People (DPP). At the LDP, a group of younger politicians led by Yasutaka Nakasone started a petition drive seeking Mr Ishiba's early resignation and renewal of party leadership. 'We all have a sense of crisis and think the election results were an ultimatum from the voters,' he said. Japanese media reported that Mr Ishiba is expected to soon announce plans to step down in August. The conservative Yomiuri newspaper said in an extra edition on Wednesday that Mr Ishiba had decided to announce his resignation by the end of July after receiving a detailed report from his chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, on the impact of the US tariffs on the Japanese economy, paving the way for a new party leader. Mr Ishiba denied the report and said that he wants to focus on the US trade deal, which covers more than 4,000 goods affecting many Japanese producers and industries. He welcomed the new agreement, which places tariffs at 15% on Japanese cars and other goods imported into the US from Japan, down from the initial 25%. Still, local media are already speculating about possible successors. Among them are ultraconservative former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, who lost to Mr Ishiba in September. Another conservative ex-minister, Takayuki Kobayashi, and agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of former popular prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, are also seen as potential challengers. In Sunday's election, voters frustrated with price increases exceeding the pace of wage hikes, especially younger people who have long felt ignored by the ruling government's focus on senior voters, rapidly turned to the emerging conservative DPP and right-wing populist Sanseito party. None of the opposition parties have shown an interest in forming a full-fledged alliance with the governing coalition, but they have said they are open to co-operating on policy.
